Milledgeville man indicted on first-degree felony drug charges in Highland County grand jury session
A Milledgeville man indicted on first-degree felony drug charges was one of nine individuals charged in the Tuesday, Feb. 3 Highland County grand jury session.
Allen R. West, 45, was charged with one count of aggravated possession of methamphetamine, a first-degree felony; one count of aggravated trafficking in methamphetamine, a first-degree felony; one count of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; and a forfeiture specification.
It is alleged that on or about Dec. 2, West “knowingly obtained, possessed or used,” and “knowingly prepared for shipment, shipped, transported, delivered, prepared for distribution or distributed,” meth in an amount equal to or exceeding 50 times bulk amount but less than 100 times bulk amount. It is further alleged West “knew or had reasonable cause to believe that the controlled substance was intended for sale or resale by [himself] or another.”
On the same date, West is accused of “altering, destroying, concealing or removing any record, document or thing with purpose to impair its value or availability as evidence in [an official] proceeding or investigation.”
A 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, which West is alleged to have used to transport meth, is subject to forfeiture.
In other indictments:
• Megan R. Penwell, 28, of Portsmouth, and Bryce I. Penwell, 35, of South Salem were each charged with one count of aggravated trafficking in methamphetamine and one count of aggravated possession of methamphetamine, both third-degree felonies, in a superseding indictment. They had previously been charged in January with the same counts.
It is alleged that on or about Nov. 9, Bryce and Megan Penwell “knowingly obtained, possessed or used,” and “knowingly prepared for shipment, shipped, transported, delivered, prepared for distribution or distributed” meth in an amount equal to or exceeding bulk amount but less than five times bulk amount. It is further alleged the defendants “knew or had reasonable cause to believe the controlled substance was intended for sale or resale.”
• Dana M. Barnes, 36, of Greenfield was charged with tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony.
It is alleged that on or about Jan. 2, Barnes “did make, present or use any record, document or thing, knowing it to be false and with purpose to mislead a public official who is or may be engaged in [an official] proceeding or investigation, or with purpose to corrupt the outcome of any such proceeding or investigation.”
• Dylan A. Downs, 26, of Greenfield was charged with one count of assault on a peace officer, a fourth-degree felony.
Downs is accused of “knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to … a peace officer” on or about Dec. 8.
• In addition to the above-listed indictments, the following individuals were each charged with a fifth-degree felony count of aggravated possession of methamphetamine:
— Carmella Birchum, 41, and Tad Mills, 37, of Hillsboro in a joint indictment;
— Tye R. Elliott, 42, of Leesburg; and
— Wayne McComas, 18, of New Vienna.
An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.
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